Foot plate device for a training machine

ABSTRACT

A foot plate device for a training machine ( 1 ) for strength training and rehabilitation includes a frame, a user seat ( 46 ), foot plate element ( 2 ) pivotably supported by the frame, a weight package element ( 4 ) in which a pre-determined number of weights in a weight stack ( 8 ) can be selected and be lifted and lowered, alternatively, and connection element ( 26, 28, 40 ) which are connected to the foot plate element and the weight package element and by element of which the selected pre-determined number weights can be lifted and lowered, the foot plate element ( 2 ) having a foot receiving plate ( 18 ) and two side members ( 19, 20 ) at each lateral side of the plate and directed away from the plate towards the seat and the foot plate element ( 2 ) being supported at pivot points ( 30, 31 ) provided on the side members.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention is related to a foot plate device for a training machine, especially a leg press, for strengthen training and rehabilitation of the kind which is defined in the pre-characterising portion of claim 1.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The training machine known as leg extension machine has a foot plate device with a foot plate surface against which the user presses his feet when exercising. The general leg extension machine has a weight stack with weights whereas the user selects a weight package to be lifted, normally consisting of a selected number of weights from the top of the rack. The weights are then lifted by means of a non-elastic wire or belt.

Such leg extension machines with foot plate devices are, e.g., disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,106,081, U.S. Pat. No. 6,605,024, U.S. Pat. No. 5,628,715, U.S. Pat. No. D 438,918, US 2006/020957 and US 2004/0009857. In these known training machines of the leg extension kind having a foot plate and used for anaerobic training the user exercises intended muscles of the legs by performing pre-determined movements so that a weight package of a weight stack is lifted or lowered. At efficient training with double-joint movements, as by means of a leg press machine, it is important that the user of the machine can perform a number of positive and negative working cycles intended for the personal capacity of the training person. The positive work means that weights of the selected weights of the weight stack are being lifted and the negative work means that selected weights are being lowered.

Most of the known machines have a foot plate which is mounted in such a way that the ankles of the user are loaded because the foot plate, upon which the feet of the user rests, does not follow the natural movement of the bent leg, i.e., automatically keeping the right ankle angle through the exercise, thereby possibly causing injuries and premature exhaustion.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

The object of the present invention is to provide a foot plate device for a training machine of the type mentioned above which sets aside the above mentioned problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The object is achieved by means of a foot plate device having the characteristics defined in the characterising portion of claim 1.

Preferred embodiments of the invention have been given the characteristics which are apparent in the sub claims.

When a person lowers and lifts a selected number of weights of a weight package, no consideration is taken to the fact that the angle between the calves and the feet when moving the feet backwards and forwards on the foot plate. By means of a foot plate device according to the invention the feet can move to take the most desired position in relation to the lower part of the leg (crus) which will spare leg joints, as the knees, from injuries. The fact is that the knees can be subjected to shearing stresses in a leg press which can lead to grave consequences. A training machine with a foot plate device according to the invention results in that the user carries out a more natural movement during the exercise. The device is applicable to all kind of sizes of users.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention is described in the following with reference to the appended drawings showing a preferred embodiment.

FIG. 1 shows a side view of a training machine for strength training and rehabilitation with a foot plate according to the invention.

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the training machine in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 shows a front view of the training machine in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 shows a sectional view along the line IV-IV in FIG. 3 of the training section of the machine with the foot plate in a pressed out position.

FIG. 5 shows a sectional view similar to FIG. 4, but with the foot plate in a retracted position.

FIG. 6 shows a perspective view from underneath to illustrate the drive of the machine, whereby parts have been broken and deleted for reason of clarity.

DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

In FIGS. 1-6 a preferred embodiment of a training machine 1, especially a leg press, for strength training and rehabilitation with a foot plate device 2 according to the invention is shown. The machine 1 consists of two main sections, viz., a training section 3 and a weight section 4 which are fixed connected to each other by means of beams 5 and 6 which are arranged in a horizontal plane and fixed connected at the lower part of the machine. The weight stack section 4 has an inner substantially rectangular frame portion 7, which is turnably journalled in pivot pins (not shown). The frame portion 7 supports the weight stack 8 and is tiltable from a vertical position as is best seen in FIG. 2 to an inclined position as can best be seen in FIG. 1. By changing the inclination of the frame the load can be altered for the user as is disclosed in my PCT-patent application WO 2007/037755. The beams 5, 6 as well as the beams 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 15 a and 15 b defining the frame construction of the training machine 1, which portions are fixed connected to each other, are advantageously welded to each other to achieve a solid construction, which shall be able to stand high loads concerning pull and press loads as well as vibrations. Base plates 16 are fixed to the lowest beams 12, 13 and 15 under the machine 1, said plates being provided with bolt holes 17 for fixing the machine 1 to a floor or the like.

The foot plate device 2 comprises a substantial planar portion 18 provided with two ribbed foot zones 18 a, b and on each lateral side thereof a flange 19, 20. A Y-formed curved arm 21 is at the bottom end thereof fixed to a substantial cylindric member 22 through which a shaft 22 a extends. The shaft 22 a is journalled in flanges 23 fixed to beams 12 and 13 of the frame. A pulley 24 is journalled between two flanges 25 fixed at approximately the mid section of the curved arm 21. A non-elastic wire or belt 26, preferably made by the material Kevlar®, is fixed at the frame at 27 and thereafter led around the pulley 24 and back parallel to the first part of the belt and to a power transmission device 28 which is best illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7. The planar portion 18 is further provided with a handle 29 faced to the user to make it easier for a user to mount the machine 1. The planar portion 18 of the foot plate device 2 is journalled at pivot points 30 and 31 at the ends of the flanges 19, 20 facing away from the planar portion 18. The pivot points 30 and 31 are arranged at the outermost ends of the branches 32 and 33 of the Y-formed curved arm 21, so that the planar portion 18 is situated between said branches 32, 33.

The belt 26 is fixed at 34 in a recess 35 in the circumference of a disc 36 which is fixed to a shaft 37 of the transmission device 18. At the other end of the shaft 37 a similar disc 38 is fixed with a recess 39 in the circumference thereof. A further non-elastic wire or belt 40, preferably made by the material Kevlar®, is fixed at 41 in the recess 39 of the disc 38. This belt 40 is led over not shown pulleys to the weight stack 8. The discs 36, 38 are journalled in bearings in brackets 41 and 42 which are fixed to the frame of the machine 1.

At least one damper 43 can be provided on the flange 19 facing the weight section 4 to prevent the foot plate 18 to vibrate when a user presses his feet to make a positive force movement or to resist the pressure from the increased load at the negative force movement without starting to shake. A further damper (not shown) could be provided if necessary on the opposite flange 20 on the foot plate 18. It should be noted that the foot plate 18 can be tilted in a comfortable way even without any damper. A stop 44, preferably of an elastic durable material is provided at the end of a shaft 45 which is fixed to the beam 14 of the frame of the machine 1.

As illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5 the user who sits on a seat 46 which is provided on the training section 2 of the machine 1 and which has been adjusted by him by means of the mechanism 47 as well as the handle 48 to obtain a comfortable position, grips the handle 29 and swings himself into the seat with his feet accommodated on the planar portion 18 of the foot plate device 2. The position of the user will then be so that the feet will always accommodate themselves in a desired position in relation to the lower part of the leg, which will not cause any sense of fatigue affected by abnormal foot inclination or even injuries in joints, such in the knees.

Reference number 49 denotes a selection device to select a desired group of weights of the weight stack 8 to be lifted. Reference number 50 denotes shields, preferably made of transparent plastic mounted around the weight section 4 to protect the user or other persons from injuries due to the movement of the frame portion 7 and the weight stack 8. Reference number 51 denotes handles to be hold by the user during the exercise.

Although one embodiment is disclosed in the description and drawings, the training machine according to the invention can be modified within the scope of the appended claims. 

1. A foot plate device for a training machine (1), especially a leg press, for strengthen training and rehabilitation comprising a frame (5, 6, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 15 a and 15 b), a user seat (46) adjustably attached to said frame, foot plate means (2) pivotably supported by said frame and arranged to be moved backwards and forwards, a weight package means (4) in which a pre-determined number of weights in a weight stack (8) can be selected and be lifted and lowered, alternatively, and connection means (26, 28, 40) which are connected to said foot plate means and said weight package means and by means of which said selected pre-determined number weights can be lifted and lowered, whereby said pre-determined number of weights are lifted in a continuous movement by means of a first user intended powered force against said foot plate means and said pre-determined number of weights are lowered by means of a second user intended powered force against said foot plate means, characterised in that said foot plate means (2) has a foot receiving portion (18) and two to said foot receiving portion connected side members (19, 20) arranged at each lateral side of said foot receiving portion and directed away from the foot receiving portion towards the seat and in that said foot receiving portion is supported at pivot points (30, 31) provided on said side members at a distance from said plate towards said seat.
 2. A foot plate device according to claim 1, characterised in that said side members consist of arms or flanges (19, 20) and in that said foot receiving portion (18) has a side with planar feet receiving sections.
 3. A foot plate device according to claim 1, characterised in that said pivot points (30, 31) are provided at each end of said side members (19, 20) faced from said foot receiving portion (18).
 4. A foot plate device according to claim 1, characterised in that said foot plate means (2) is supported by means of a support means (21) which preferably is substantially Y-formed and which is pivotably attached to the frame.
 5. A foot plate device according to claim 4, characterised in that, said support means has two arms (32, 33), each pivotably attached at said pivot points (30, 31) to either of said two side members (19, 20) at each side of said foot receiving portion (18) and at a predetermined distance away from said foot receiving portion.
 6. A foot plate device according to claim 4, characterised in that said support means (21) is pivotably attached by means of pivot means (22, 22 a, 23) at the lower part of said machine frame.
 7. A foot plate device according to claim 4, characterised in that at least one damper means (43) is pivotably attached between said foot receiving portion (18) and said support means (21).
 8. A foot plate device according to claim 1, characterised in that said connection means (26, 40) comprises non-elastic wires or belts (26, 40), preferably made by the material Kevlar®, which are able to transmit the force exerted on said foot receiving portion (18) to said pre-determined selected number of weights of said weight stack (8).
 9. A foot plate device according to claim 1, characterised in that said connection means (26) is connected directly to said support means (21) a pre-determined distance above said pivot means (22, 22 a, 23) of the support means (21).
 10. A foot plate device according to claim 1, characterised in that said connection means (26) is lead around a pulley (24) provided on said support means (21) a pre-determined distance above the pivot means (22, 22 a, 23) of said support means and is thereafter attached to the machine frame.
 11. A foot plate device according to claim 2, characterised in that said pivot points (30, 31) are provided at each end of said side members (19, 20) faced from said foot receiving portion (18).
 12. A foot plate device according to claim 2, characterised in that said foot plate means (2) is supported by means of a support means (21) which preferably is substantially Y-formed and which is pivotably attached to the frame.
 13. A foot plate device according to claim 3, characterised in that said foot plate means (2) is supported by means of a support means (21) which preferably is substantially Y-formed and which is pivotably attached to the frame.
 14. A foot plate device according to claim 5, characterised in that at least one damper means (43) is pivotably attached between said foot receiving portion (18) and said support means (21).
 15. A foot plate device according to claim 6, characterised in that at least one damper means (43) is pivotably attached between said foot receiving portion (18) and said support means (21).
 16. A foot plate device according to claim 2, characterised in that said connection means (26, 40) comprises non-elastic wires or belts (26, 40), preferably made by the material Kevlar®, which are able to transmit the force exerted on said foot receiving portion (18) to said pre-determined selected number of weights of said weight stack (8).
 17. A foot plate device according to claim 3, characterised in that said connection means (26, 40) comprises non-elastic wires or belts (26, 40), preferably made by the material Kevlar®, which are able to transmit the force exerted on said foot receiving portion (18) to said pre-determined selected number of weights of said weight stack (8).
 18. A foot plate device according to claim 4, characterised in that said connection means (26, 40) comprises non-elastic wires or belts (26, 40), preferably made by the material Kevlar®, which are able to transmit the force exerted on said foot receiving portion (18) to said pre-determined selected number of weights of said weight stack (8).
 19. A foot plate device according to claim 5, characterised in that said connection means (26, 40) comprises non-elastic wires or belts (26, 40), preferably made by the material Kevlar®, which are able to transmit the force exerted on said foot receiving portion (18) to said pre-determined selected number of weights of said weight stack (8).
 20. A foot plate device according to claim 6, characterised in that said connection means (26, 40) comprises non-elastic wires or belts (26, 40), preferably made by the material Kevlar®, which are able to transmit the force exerted on said foot receiving portion (18) to said pre-determined selected number of weights of said weight stack (8). 